The Network For Transparent Governance (NTG) has strongly criticized the recent comments made by Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, regarding former Governor Samuel Ortom. The coalition, which advocates for good governance and political accountability, expressed shock and disappointment over what they termed a “vitriolic statement” directed at Ortom.
In a press statement jointly signed by its President Dennis Agema the Secretary General, Oliver Omenka, NTG asserted that Governor Alia appears overly preoccupied with Ortom, suggesting that if given the chance, he would wish Ortom gone entirely. The coalition condemned the governor’s actions as not only disgraceful but also indicative of a deteriorating political climate in Benue State under Governor Alia’s watch.
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NTG highlighted Ortom’s significant contributions to the state, emphasizing his attendance at the recent 50th birthday celebration for Dr. Matthias Byuan, a notable Federal Housing Authority official. The group argued that this gesture reflects Ortom’s commitment to building relationships among public servants, rather than undermining the current administration.
The statement reads:
“We were shocked and disappointed to read the vitriolic statement issued by Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia against the person of the former Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom.
It is now obvious that Ortom is the only headache of Governor Alia and if the governor had his way, Ortom wouldn’t be alive today.
“We, the Network For Transparent Governance (NTG), a coalition dedicated to the promotion of good governance and political accountability, unequivocally condemn the unwarranted and scathing attack on the former Governor Chief Ortom. Governor Alia’s action was not only disgraceful but also emblematic of the worsening political climate under his administration.
“Chief Samuel Ortom, a distinguished leader and public servant, has made significant contributions to the welfare and development of Benue State. His recent attendance at the 50th birthday celebration of Dr. Matthias Byuan, a respected official in the Federal Housing Authority, should not be misconstrued as an affront to the current administration. Rather, it highlights Ortom’s commitment to fostering relationships and supporting fellow public servants, regardless of political affiliations.
“Governor Alia also attempted to play down on the numerous achievements of Ortom when he served as governor of the state, and we wonder if Alia’s construction of 16 short streets totaling merely 15 kilometers can match only one of Ortom’s roads in different parts of the state. We wonder if Alia can boast of any meaningful impact he has made in the area of education or health, compared to Ortom’s outstanding performance in the two sectors!
“Alia prides himself as a governor who is paying salaries and pensions as if there is any governor in Nigeria under the Bola Tinubu administration who is owing salaries and pensions. Interestingly, Alia has been mute on how much his government is receiving from FAAC and what it is doing with the money.
“The tirade against Ortom, who merely expressed solidarity with Senator George Akume and Byuan, is a clear manifestation of Governor Alia’s insecurity and inability to focus on the pressing needs of our state. Instead of engaging in petty political vendettas, we urge Governor Alia to redirect his energies towards the governance of Benue State, where the people are in dire need of effective leadership and solutions to their existential challenges, among which is heightened insecurity that has led to the killing of hundreds of Benue people by Fulani herders.
“It is deeply troubling to witness a sitting governor resort to personal attacks on perceived opponents rather than addressing the critical issues affecting our communities. Governor Alia must understand that the politics of victimization and division serve no one, least of all the people of Benue State.
“We call upon Governor Alia to cease his unfounded assaults on Chief Ortom and to prioritize the needs of the people he was elected to serve. It is time for the current administration to rise above pettiness and embrace a more constructive and inclusive approach to governance.
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“Lastly, we want to emphasize that we stand firmly with Chief Samuel Ortom and urge the people of Benue State to remain steadfast in their support for leaders who have consistently championed their cause”, TNG submitted.
